Nollywood Star Laide Bakare Named Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment in Osun
Nollywood star Laide Bakare joins Osun's government as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, aiming to boost the state's cultural economy and tourism.
When talking about Osun State, a southwestern Nigerian state celebrated for its river‑lined landscapes, historic towns, and lively festivals. Also known as the “Land of Rivers”, it fuels a big chunk of Nigeria’s cocoa and kola production while shaping national politics. The state Osun State is home to the UNESCO‑listed Osun‑Osogbo Sacred Grove, a living museum of Yoruba art and spirituality. This blend of culture and economy sets the stage for every story you’ll find below.
Yoruba culture, the heart‑beat of the region’s language, music, and rites drives everything from the annual Oko festival to the vibrant textile markets in Ile‑Ife. When the sacred grove opens for the annual Osun Festival, tourists flock to witness centuries‑old drumming and dance, linking tourism, one of the state’s fastest‑growing sectors with cultural preservation. The grove’s ancient trees, sculpted shrines, and river rituals illustrate the semantic triple: "Osun State encompasses Yoruba culture, which fuels tourism." Visitors also explore Olumirin Waterfalls and the historic Modakeke villages, proving that heritage fuels both local pride and economic cash‑flow.
On the economic front, agriculture, especially cocoa, kola nuts, and palm oil, anchors the state’s rural livelihood. The fertile soils along the Osun River deliver export‑quality beans that feed global chocolate makers, while small‑scale farms sustain local markets. This agricultural strength ties directly into Nigerian politics, where Osun’s legislators champion farmer subsidies and infrastructure projects. Recent debates in Abuja over fertilizer imports and rural electrification highlight the triple: "Osun State drives Nigerian agriculture, which influences national policy." The state’s representatives often spotlight education reforms for the University of Ilorin and Obafemi Awolowo University, reinforcing the link between knowledge, farming innovation, and political advocacy.
All these threads—culture, tourism, farming, and political clout—intersect in the daily headlines you’ll see next. Below, you’ll discover the latest sports victories, tech breakthroughs, and community stories all filtered through the unique lens of Osun State, giving you a well‑rounded picture of what’s happening on the ground.
Nollywood star Laide Bakare joins Osun's government as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, aiming to boost the state's cultural economy and tourism.